Since filming a surf-ski section in ‘This is the Sea 5‘, I have wanted more! How can you not embrace the concept of downwind paddling!? I love that after 17 years of paddling, I can still be a relative beginner at something and have a steep learning curve. And well – there’s not much that’s more fun than surfing.
Although I’ve never been especially slow, my paddling technique could certainly be a lot better and I’m motivated to improve that, get faster and more efficient and catch more of those waves! Ultimately – for me it’s about setting myself a challenge and going on a journey and I’d like to do the Molokai race between 2 Hawaiian islands.
Not many people have surf skis near to me in North Wales, so I decided to drive down to a race in Devon to meet a few advocates, have a go and see what it’s all about. I was really nervous about the race – even though I’ve only tried surf skiing about 5 times in Tarifa, I can’t help being competitive! Ivan Lawler (multiple world champion) of Ultimate Kayaks lent me an Epic V8. This ski has revolutionised surf skiing as it’s much more stable than the knife-edge skis that you see the best guys using – yet it’s still pretty speedy and catches waves. That competitive side of me wants to get good enough to use a faster, tippier ski but it was the perfect choice for me in my first race.
The course was a 17km downwind run from Combe Martin to Lynmouth. It’s a beautiful cliffy section of coastline, although you can probably tell from my gritted teeth in the photos that I was too focussed to take it in! I did respectably – about 2/3 of the way down the pack and I’ll definitely have another go. The next race is in Poole on 7th September – skis can be rented from Ultimate Kayaks – maybe see you there!?
You can check out the GB Ocean Ski website or facebook page. I ‘borrowed’ these photos from their facebook page (thanks) and there are lots more photos and info on there. You can see how the good guys do it (and get a sense of the fun) if you buy the 11 minute surf ski film that I made as a download for just £2.99 here (with optional subtitles in French, Italian or Spanish). Or start by watching this film featuring Ivan Lawler for free!
This thorough review was published in Atlantic Coastal Kayaker. If you want to know more detail about what’s in the DVD then read on! If you haven’t seen it yet then you can buy the DVD – or download high definition versions of the films you like the look of. Individual films start at just £1.99 (approx. $3 or 2.50 Euros). The downloads are priced in UK £, but the films play in all regions on your computer or TV. If you prefer a DVD then click here for the UK/ Europe / Australia store – and here for the US/ Canada / South America / Japan store.
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